The House of Representatives committee back Thursday the nomination of former senator and multi-awarded actor Ramon Revilla Sr. for the national artist award for film in recognition of his huge “contribution to Philippine culture and the arts”.
Revilla, father of Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Cavite Rep. Stryke Revilla, became popular for acting out real life heroes and villains, many of them keeping amulets or anting-anting that gave them superhuman powers.
The House Committee on Basic Education and Culture unanimously endorsed the plenary adoption of House Resolution 1176 calling on the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts to strongly consider Revilla to be the next recipient of the National Artist award.
HR 1176 was filed by lawmakers led by Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin G. Romualdez.
It was also introduced by Lakas-CMD members, namely: Reps. Aleta C. Suarez (Quezon); Fredenil Castro (Capiz); Marilou Arroyo (Negros Occidental) and Roger Mercado (Southern Leyte).
In a hearing presided by Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, CCP vice president and artistic director Chris Millado said the nomination of Revilla for the the prestigious National Artist award will go through careful study.
Once approved by the NCCA and CCP, the nomination will be submitted to President Duterte for his approval.
Authors of the resolution said Revilla, who died last year at age 91, is highly qualified for the award and has met the criteria set for its conferment.
“Ramon Revilla Sr. is a renowned entertainment icon, actor, producer and director and a public servant. Through the years, he has contributed immensely in the development of Philippine Art,” HR 1176 read.
It added: “His movies depicted not only the Filipino way of life, but also our unique culture and strong ideals.”
Supporters of the measure cited the numerous awards received by Revilla as an actor and contributor to the development of Philippine cinema.
Among these are the 1973 Famas Best Actor Award; 1979 Most Outstanding Actor and Box Office King.
Among his box office hits are Nardong Putik, Pepeng Agimat, Hulihin si Tiyagong Akyat and Iyo ang Tondo, Kanya ang Cavite where he shared starring roles with the late Philippine movie icon Fernando Poe Jr.
He was also honored by the Catholic Mass Media Awards and conferred the Sino-Phil Asia International Peace Award for Performing Arts.